Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

Service Agreement to provide maintenance on cell sorters and flow cytometer that includes preventative maintenance, service and repairs.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for performing sponsored research and other sponsored activities under grants and contracts funded by the sponsor or by sources other than State appropriations. (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)) The MoFlo cell sorters and the CytoFLEX flow cytometers are some of the most frequently used instruments in the flow cytometry core. Cell sorting is critical for investigators to isolate purified populations for downstream applications including cell cultures, single cell and bulk genomics and transcriptomics and also for adoptive transfers into animal models. This and the analysis platforms of the flow cytometer are essential for investigators and the progress of scientific investigations. These instruments are available in any University of repute and the proper maintenance of the instrument therefore becomes essential to prevent prolonged downtime of the instrument. Delays affect scientific progress and having service contracts permits prompt service. An assigned cost per year also prevents expensive repairs and unaccounted budgetary issues during the financial year.